(Video) Vybz Kartel regains freedom after 12 years, averts life in prison

Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican Afrobeat artist also known as Adidja Palmer, has been released from prison after completing a 12-year sentence. Along with three other men, Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Andre St John, and Kahira Jones, Kartel was charged with the 2011 murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. Initially convicted in 2014 and given life sentences, their convictions were overturned by the Royal Commission in March 2024 due to a security breach, prompting a current appeal on the necessity of a retrial.

The Jamaican Court of Appeal has now ruled against a retrial, bringing an end to a nearly 13-year legal battle that has captivated the nation. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, the newly appointed President of the Court of Appeal, led the panel of judges that delivered the long-awaited decision. While Kartel, Campbell, and St John have been released, Jones will remain in custody due to an unrelated sentence.

On Wednesday night, Vybz Kartel shared a video of himself and his wife celebrating their newfound freedom.

Back to business #FireVybz ago run the world pic.twitter.com/5UHwJ3GaDe

— Vybz Kartel (@Vybz_Official) August 1, 2024